Overweight And Diabetes

Overweight And Diabetes (The Link That Should Be Avoided)

In today’s world, literally, we all around the world are eating ourselves into a diabetes epidemic. Obesity has long been associated with diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance and cardio vascular disease.

Obesity means accumulation of excess fat on the body. Obesity is considered a chronic (long-term) disease, like high blood pressure or diabetes. It has many serious long-term consequences for your health. Obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of greater than 30. The BMI is a measure of your weight relative to your height.


So what exactly is “DiaObesity”?
Diabetes + Obesity = DiaObesity.
DIABETES is also known as DIABETES MELLITUS or Sugar Diabetes.
It’s a condition where INSULIN produced by the pancreas, is in short supply or deficient or Insulin if present, does not work properly and has diminished effectiveness.
Insulin regulates the levels of glucose and sugar in the blood.

Obesity’s Role in the Development of Type 2 Diabetes

It is not known for sure why some people develop insulin resistance, but it is known that obesity and lack of physical activity make it worse. The development of insulin resistance is an important component in the development of type 2 diabetes. The connection is also seen in the fact that weight-loss can improve control or cure type 2 diabetes. In addition to the degree of obesity, where the excess body fat is deposited is important in determining the risk of type 2 diabetes.
No matter what medication or superior types of insulin are developed, diabetes cannot be treated effectively without a daily dose of physical activity. Diabetes can be controlled but treatment is typically lifelong.

Treating Obesity Will Treat Type 2 Diabetes

Weight-loss is an important goal for overweight or obese persons, particularly those with type 2 diabetes. Moderate and sustained weight-loss (five percent to 10 percent of body weight) can improve insulin action, decrease fasting glucose concentrations and reduce the need for some diabetes medications. A program of diet, exercise and behavior modification can successfully treat obesity, but pharmacotherapy and/or surgery may be warranted.

Tips to help you lose your body weight
* Weight-loss will occur when energy expenditure exceeds energy intake. Be active throughout the day and create an energy deficit of 500-1,000 calories per day. (If you are a diabetic person, consult a Doctor for medical guidance to manage your weight).
* Take lot of fibre content food instead of complex carbohydrate food.
* A goal should be set for 30 to 45 minutes of moderate exercise five times per week

World Diabetes Day

World Diabetes Day (WDD) is celebrated every year on November 14. The World Diabetes Day campaign is led by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and its member associations. It engages millions of people worldwide in diabetes advocacy and awareness. World Diabetes Day was created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat that diabetes now poses. This year sees the second of a five-year campaign that will address the growing need for diabetes education and prevention programmes.

World Diabetes Day is a campaign that features a new theme chosen by the International Diabetes Federation each year to address issues facing the global diabetes community. While the themed campaigns last the whole year, the day itself is celebrated on November 14, to mark the birthday of Frederick Banting who, along with Charles Best, first conceived the idea which led to the discovery of insulin in 1922.

Diabetes Education and Prevention is the World Diabetes Day theme for the period 2009-2013. The campaign slogan for 2010 is 'Let's take control of diabetes Now.'

Where is it celebrated?

World Diabetes Day is celebrated worldwide by the over 200 member associations of the International Diabetes Federation in more than 160 countries and territories, all Member States of the United Nations, as well as by other associations and organizations, companies, healthcare professionals and people living with diabetes and their families.

M.V. Centre for Diabetes, Mylapore
(A branch of M.V. Hospital for Diabetes, Royapuram) & Inner Wheel club of Adyar have organized a pledge taking by students and children with Diabetes and World Diabetes Day Lighting on Saturday, November 13, 2010 at 5.p.m at Kalaignar Maaligai, Queen Mary’s College, Chennai. (Opposite to Gandhi Statue, Marina Beach, Next to DGP office).

Thiru.P.Sakthivelu, I.P.S Joint commissioner of police, South Zone, Chennai has consented to be the chief Guest and swith on the World Diabetes Day lighting
Mr. Sakthi Film Actor has consented to be the Guest of Honour and administer the pledge. Dr. Tmt. K. Ambujam Principal, QMC will felicitate.

M.V Hospital for Diabetes and Prof. M.Viswanathan Diabetes Research Centre have organized the Meet the Medical Experts Panel discussion on diabetes for public)to create awareness about the prevention and diabetes and its complications on world diabetes day, November 14, 2010 and Launch a Diabetes self care kit at GRT Grand Convention Centre, 120, Sir Thyagaraya Road, T.Nagar, Chennai on Sunday the 14th November 2010 from 11.00 am

Thiru. Shiv Das Meena, I.A.S
Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation Ltd., Chennai has consented to be the Chief Guest.
Dr. P. Namperumalsamy
Chairman Emeritus, Aravind Eye Care System, Madurai has consented to be the Guest of Honour.

The Experts for Panel Discussion
Prof.Dr.S.Thanikachalam
Chairman & Director, Cardiac Care Centre
Sri Ramachandra University

Dr. Namperumalsamy
Chairman Emeritus – Aravind Eye Hospital,
Madurai

Dr. V.Balaji
Senior Vascular Surgeon, Appollo Hospitals, Chennai
Prof. Dr. E.S. Krishnamoorthy
Hon.Secretary, VHS, Chennai

Dr. P.B. Sivaraman
Former Prof. and Head of Urology, Madras Medical College.
Consultant Urologist, Appollo Hospitals, Chennai

Dr. Gokulnath
Prof & Head of the Dept. of Nephrology, St.Johns Medical College, Bangalore

Dr. Gita Arjun
Director, Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, E.V. Kalyani Medical Centre, Chennai

Dr. Varsha
Consultant Clinical Nutritionist, Chennai

Moderator
Dr. Vijay Viswanathan
Managing Director, M.V. Hospital for Diabetes (P) Ltd, Royapuram, Chennai

Theme
Each year World Diabetes Day is centred on a theme related to diabetes. Topics covered in the past have included diabetes and human rights, diabetes and lifestyle, and the costs of diabetes. Recent themes include:
2005: Diabetes and Foot Care
2006: Diabetes in the Disadvantaged and the Vulnerable
2007-2008: Diabetes in Children and Adolescents
2009-2013: Diabetes Education and Prevention

The World Diabetes Day logo

The World Diabetes Day logo is the blue circle - the global symbol for diabetes which was developed as part of the Unite for Diabetes awareness campaign. The logo was adopted in 2007 to mark the passage of the United Nations World Diabetes Day Resolution. The significance of the blue circle symbol is overwhelmingly positive. Across cultures, the circle symbolizes life and health. The colour blue reflects the sky that unites all nations and is the colour of the United Nations flag. The blue circle signifies the unity of the global diabetes community in response to the diabetes pandemic.

Diabetes education and prevention Understand diabetes and take control:

Diabetes Education and Prevention is the World Diabetes Day theme for the period 2009-2013. The campaign calls on all those responsible for diabetes care to understand diabetes and take control. For people with diabetes, this is a message about empowerment through education. For governments, it is a call to implement effective strategies and policies for the prevention and management of diabetes to safeguard the health of their citizens with and at risk of diabetes. For healthcare professionals, it is a call to improve knowledge so that evidence-based recommendations are put into practice. For the general public, it is a call to understand the serious impact of diabetes and know, where possible, how to avoid or delay diabetes and its complications.

The key messages of the campaign are:
* Know the diabetes risks and know the warning signs
*Know how to respond to diabetes and who to turn to
*Know how to manage diabetes and take control

Campaign Objectives
The objectives for the 2009-2013 campaign were informed by the work of the Federation’s Consultative Section on Education and its Task Force on Epidemiology and Prevention. The objectives were further informed by the World Health Organization’s 2008-2013 Action Plan for the Global Strategy for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases.

The campaign goals are to:
*Encourage governments to implement and strengthen policies for the prevention and control of diabetes and its complications.
*Disseminate tools to support national and local initiatives for the prevention and management of diabetes and its complications.
*Illustrate the importance of evidence-based education in the prevention and management of diabetes and its complications.
*Raise awareness of the warning signs of diabetes and promote action to encourage early diagnosis.
*Raise awareness of and promote action to reduce the main modifiable risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
*Raise awareness and promote action to prevent or delay the complications of diabetes.

Diabetes prevention

At present, type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. The environmental triggers that are thought to generate the process that results in the destruction of the body’s insulin-producing cells are still under investigation. Type 2 diabetes, however, can be prevented in many cases by maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active. Studies in China, Finland and the United States have confirmed this.

Putting aside arguments over the quality of the data and methodologies employed, the last thirty years have seen a rapid increase in type 2 diabetes. In 1985, an estimated 30 million people worldwide had diabetes. A little over a decade later, the figure had risen to over 150 million. Today, according to IDF figures, it exceeds 285 million. Unless action is taken to implement effective prevention and control programmes, IDF predicts that the total number of people with diabetes will reach 435 million by 2030. It is increasingly apparent that the explosion in diabetes will overwhelm healthcare systems everywhere and subvert the gains of economic development. It is important for the diabetes world to communicate a consistent message that investment in diabetes education and diabetes prevention programmes will save money in the long term and deliver significant returns in quality of life for people with diabetes and people at high risk of diabetes.

The World Diabetes Day campaign’s approach to primary prevention is informed by the IDF Consensus on Type 2 Diabetes Prevention (2007). The consensus proposes a simple three step plan for the prevention of type 2 diabetes in those at increased risk.

IDF recommends that all people at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes be identified through opportunistic and self-screening. People at high risk can be easily identified through a simple questionnaire to assess risk factors such as age, waist circumference, family history, cardiovascular history and gestational history.

Once identified, people at high risk of diabetes should have their plasma glucose levels measured by a health professional to detect Impaired Fasting Glucose or Impaired Glucose Tolerance, both of which indicate an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Prevention efforts should target those at risk in order to delay or avoid the onset of type 2 diabetes.

There is substantial evidence that achieving a healthy body weight and moderate physical activity can help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. In primary prevention there is an important role for the diabetes educator to help people understand the risks and set realistic goals to improve health. IDF recommends a goal of at least 30 minutes of daily exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, cycling or dancing. Regular walking for at least 30 minutes per day, for example, has been shown to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 35-40%.

World Diabetes Day will promote greater awareness of the risk factors for diabetes and encourage best-practice sharing in diabetes prevention. The campaign will ask diabetes stakeholders to call on UN Member States to follow through on the promise of the UN Resolution on diabetes and develop national policies for the prevention, treatment and care of diabetes in line with the sustainable development of their healthcare systems.

Understand diabetes: know the warning signs


The warning signs* of diabetes include:
*Frequent urination
*Excessive thirst
*Increased hunger
*Weight loss
*Tiredness
*Lack of interest and concentration
*Vomiting and stomach pain (often mistaken as the flu)
*A tingling sensation or numbness in the hands or feet
*Frequent infections
*Slow-healing wounds
*These can be mild or absent in people with type 2 diabetes.

If you show these signs, seek medical attention!

Diabetes risk factors

There are many risk factors for type 2 diabetes. They include:
*Obesity and overweight
*Lack of exercise
*Previously identified glucose intolerance
*Unhealthy diet
*Increased age
*High blood pressure and high cholesterol
*A family history of diabetes
*A history of gestational diabetes
*Ethnicity - higher rates of diabetes have been reported in Asians, Hispanics, Indigenous peoples (USA, Canada, Australia) and African Americans.

If you think you are at risk of type 2 diabetes, get tested!
Let's take control of diabetes. Now.
2010 marks the second year of the five-year focus on Diabetes education and prevention", the theme selected by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization for World Diabetes Day 2009-2013.
The campaign slogan is: "Let's take control of diabetes. Now."
For the general public and people at high risk of diabetes, the focus will be on raising awareness of diabetes and disseminating tools for the prevention of diabetes. For people with diabetes, the focus will be on disseminating tools to improve knowledge of diabetes in order to better understand the condition and prevent complications. For governments and policy-makers, efforts will focus on advocacy aimed at communicating the cost-effective implications of diabetes prevention strategies and promoting diabetes education as a core component of diabetes management and treatment.
The key messages of the campaign, developed for different target groups, are:
*Know the signs and symptoms of diabetes. Early diagnosis saves lives.
*Diabetes prevention and treatment is simple and cost-effective. Put it on top of the agenda.
*Your child could be affected. Know the warning signs. See your doctor to measure the risk.
*Enjoy an active life and prevent complications.

World Diabetes Day
Message from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics
World Diabetes Day, on the 14th November every year, has grown from humble beginnings to become a globally-celebrated event to increase awareness about diabetes. World Diabetes Day is proving internationally effective in spreading the message about diabetes.
World Diabetes Day message

‘Beat Diabetes’

FIGHT OBESITY AND PREVENT DIABETES

To Prevent and control diabetes

Take a well balanced diet, include cereals & whole grains, pulses& dhal, greens and vegetables, milk and milk products, fruits, nuts in your daily diet.

Restrict the intake of refined food products, deep fried food items, junk food etc

Balance your food intake with your activity.








World Diabetes Day blue buildings
Each World Diabetes Day famous buildings and monuments all over the world are lit up in blue. This powerful and striking image helps to spread the message about World Diabetes Day to diabetics and non-diabetics alike.

MEDICAL NUTRITION THERAPHY (MNT GOALS)

J. MARY SHALINI M.sc -DIETITIAN

* T1DM is an autoimmune condition— the immune system has “attacked” the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas, creating a total insulin deficiency.

*It is a common pediatric chronic illness that impairs glucose functioning and increase the blood glucose levels than the normal range.

*Diet and physical activity are critically important in the management of type 1 diabetes.

*It is important to understand how to balance food intake with physical activity, and insulin. Make healthy food choices every day to improve overall health.

MEDICAL NUTRITION THERAPHY (MNT GOALS)

*Attain and maintain optimal – Blood Glucose and Lipids.
*Provide adequate calories for maintaining normal growth and development in children.
*Improve health through optimal nutrition and physical activity.
*Integrate insulin regimen into usual eating and physical activity.
*Prevent and treat acute complications.
NUTRITIONAL NEEDS

ENERGY

• Sufficient calories to be provided for normal growth and development.

• Calorie requirement should be according to their activities.

Calorie Requirements can calculate using this formula

Up to 12 yrs of age

Total Kilocalories = 1000 + (100 × age)

CARBOHYDRATES



•Carbohydrate awareness is essential in treating T1DM, so that they know the effect of the meal on blood glucose and can better match food intake to insulin doses.
•For better glycemic control carbohydrate restriction is not recommended, 40-55% of carbohydrate from total caloric intake must be given to manage the insulin dose.

*Encourage intake of complex carbohydrates
*Avoid direct sugars soft drinks, candy, table sugar, jaggery, sweets, etc.
*If feasible, adjustments in insulin can be taught to child/parent on occasional intake of sugar containing foods.

PROTIENS





*Proteins are needed for normal growth and development.
*Should constitute 15–20 % of the Calories.

Good sources of protein: legumes, pulses, nuts, milk and milk products, eggs and non-vegetarian foods.

FATS



*Concentrated sources of energy.
*About 25–30% of total calories should be from fat.
*Use combination of oils in prescribed amount.
*Deep Fried non veg foods have more cholesterol and fats.
VITAMINS AND MINERALS



•Requirements are same for diabetic & and non-diabetic children.
•This can be obtained in a well balanced meal plan.
•Special attention should be given to calcium, iron and iodine.

Balancing Diet and Insulin

•This can be achieved with a consistent meal pattern adjusted with appropriate insulin doses.
•Insulin action (duration, starting and peak action time) should be kept in mind for meal planning.

Good Meal Planning

A good plan will make it easier to control blood glucose levels.

Eating plan should…..

*Include foods which the child likes.
*Take daily activities and schedule of the child into account.
*Be flexible.
*Keep blood glucose level within the target range.
*Help to reach and maintain a healthy weight.
*Help to prevent disease conditions.

Eating out

•Most of children enjoy eating out.
•There is no reason to avoid it just because they have diabetes.
•It is important to know what they should eat.
•Parents should be guided in this matter. Discuss healthy food choices with them.

FINE TUNING YOUR DIET

*Increase milk intake as it is essential for growth and development of bones and teeth’s.
*Include fruits and vegetables as it is a source of ANTIOXIDANTS which enhances the immune system.
*Include dhal, sprouts, whole grams, nuts which are good sources of protein which is essential for body building.
*As Junk foods have high calories, fats and less in nutrient’s it can be taken sparingly in small quantity.
*Refined products like pasta, noodles, spaghetti can be taken in prescribed amounts with addition of vegetables.
*Spending more time in watching T.V and playing videogames, should be replaced by outdoor games such as playing crickets, cycling swimming skipping, jogging,( spare at least an hour)
*Be cautious of HYPOGLYCEMIC symptoms. Check blood sugar before and after activities/exercise, if the blood sugar is low, carbohydrate snacks should be emphasized.


If your blood sugar goes low during exercise, eat a snack according to the guidelines below,

•If the blood glucose is 51 to 70 mg/dL eat 10 to 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate (eg, 1/2 cup fruit juice, 3 to 4 hard candies, 2 to 3 tsp of sugar with milk).

Retest after 15 minutes and repeat treatment if needed. If the next meal is more than an hour away, eat an additional 15 grams of carbohydrate.

Try not to eat too much because this can raise blood sugar levels above the target level and lead to weight gain over the long term.

Exercise

Moderate to intense exercise

*Insulin should be adjusted with increased physical activity/exercise.
*CHO-based snack can be consumed before exercise to avoid hypoglycemia Sports drinks before/during vigorous exercise is encouraged to prevent late onset hypoglycemia.
*Make changes in your lifestyle that incorporates exercise. Instead of the car, computer and a sedentary lifestyle, make yourself active, walk, and play outdoor games.

As this celebrate WASIM AKRAM is a well known challenging cricket player is also a type1 diabetic quoted as follows,

“I WOULD TELL PEOPLE THAT IF YOU HAVE DIABETES DON'T BLAME
YOURSELF OR ANYBODY, FIGHT IT. BE HEALTHY AND DEAL WITH IT”

SHOOT THE ASURAS LETS FIGHT AGAINST DIABETES THIS DIWALI

Dr. Sripriya Shaji Ph.D


Diabetes Mellitus have become unlisted family member these days in almost every house. A huge sum of money from our budget is getting diverted for the treatment and management. Let’s stop a while from our busy schedule and start thinking about preventing our next generation from this disorder. Our lifestyle is instrumental in deciding our health status. Unfortunately most of us live an unhealthy life, rooting for various bad choices around us. It’s time to shoot the asuras (negative life-style habits) among us.

Technologies have developed so much, which brings everything to our finger tip. Fortunately at least our fingers are exercising?!!??!!!

Come, get your bow and arrow, we will shoot these asuras right now, It’s not too late.

1. Salt

Those innocent looking white granules are actually not so harmless. A large quantity of salt intake (sodium) is one of the main reasons behind high blood quantity of salt intake (sodium) is one of the main reasons behind high blood pressure.

Recommended daily requirement is approximately six grams (a level teaspoon). But none of us are able to stick to this standard, thanks to bags of chips, processed/junk food, and other fried snacks in addition to our normal intake of regular meals-all generously topped with salt and ajinomoto.

Try to stay away from condiments such as pickles, sauces, and papads. Even their smaller portions are loaded with salt to preserve and balance the other strong flavors in them.

2. Lift


Imagine the Rajnikanth’s ‘Annamalai’ movie. LIFT - one side it will take you up by saving your time and effort, Agreed. On the other side, you are brought down in your the H(W)ealth.

Opting for stairs can protect you from deadly ailments in the long run.
Climbing stairs is actually a workout in itself. It is a high intensity exercise promoting cardio-respiratory benefits, which is free of cost and easily accessible, anytime, everywhere.

Stair climbing does not actually mean you have to reach your office on the seventh floor in one go. Don’t over exert yourself. Rest for a minute on each floor. Then proceed again.With a steady pace, climbing stairs for five minutes can make you burn a whooping 140 calories.

3.Sugar



Refined sugar is basically a form of carbohydrate and our daily requirement of carbohydrate (which is approx. 130 gm/day) is generally met by all other sources of food items.



4. Smoking
“Cigaratte is a roll of tobacco with one side of fire and other side of fool” – Author Unknown. The quote appears exaggerated, but think for a moment. Isn’t it foolish to gamble with our health?


5. Alcohol
Occasional or often is not a matter. Drink is a drink is a drink.Stay out of it.


6. Video Games and Remotes

These have not only spoiled our family relationships but also spoiling our health. The hardcore truth is so many of us are addicted to this.


7. Stress

Even the best managers are not able to manage this ‘asura’. Probably the second word a child utters these days are ‘aiyo I’m tensed’. Most of the aforesaid negativehabits will lead us to stress. A balanced food, good exercise and quality time with family is the first and best therapy for stress.


“LET’S HAVE A PEACEFULL AND HEALTHY DIWALI

Antioxidants

Sheela Paul, Aruna.V
Dieticians

We breathe in oxygen to live and are necessary for all essential bodily functions. However, a small amount of this oxygen gets loose and produces unstable by-products called free radicals. Body processes, such as metabolism, as well as environmental factors, including pollution and cigarette smoke, can produce free radicals. An overload of free radicals in the body causes damage to the cells, ultimately resulting in disease and accelerated aging. They also interfere with your immune system.



This is how antioxidants play a vital role. Antioxidants provide a layer of protection for the cells and tissues of the body, just as a thick coat of wax helps protect a car's finish. They act as "free radical scavengers" and hence prevent and repair damage done by these free radicals.

Antioxidants are substances or nutrients in our foods which can prevent or slow the oxidative damage to our body. Antioxidants are present in foods as vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, and polyphenols, among others. Many antioxidants are often identified in food by their distinctive colors—the deep red of cherries and of tomatoes; the orange of carrots; the yellow of corn, mangos, and saffron; and the blue-purple of blueberries, blackberries, and grapes. The most well-known components of food with antioxidant activities are vitamins A, C, and E; β-carotene; the mineral selenium; and more recently, the compound lycopene.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF ANTIOXIDANTS AND THEIR FOOD SOURCES


Health Benefits

People dealing with a lot of stress, smokers, older adults, and people with a family history of heart disease or cancer can make use of these antioxidants to stay healthy.

Antioxidants have been proven to protect human cells from oxidative damage and provide:

• Anti-aging of cells and overall body
• Greatly reduced incidence of all cancers
• Glaucoma and macular degeneration prevention
• Reduced risk of cholesterol-oxidation and heart disease
• Stronger immunity and resistance to flues, viruses and infections



Also, these colorful fruits and vegetables contain hundreds of phytochemicals in addition to the essential vitamins and minerals they also provide. Phytochemicals are naturally occurring chemicals in plants that provide flavor, color, texture, and smell. With potential health effects, they may boost enzyme production or activity, which may, in turn, block carcinogens, suppress malignant cells, or interfere with processes that can cause heart disease and stroke.

DIA OBESITY PEOPLE BEWARE OF FAST AND JUNK FOODS

MRS.SHEELAPAUL
MRS.MALINI

People always believe that DIETING means bland food without taste. Certainly not, In fact diets are also tastier like our normal and usual diet. The diet for a person with diabetes is a diet without sugar or fats. It can also be tried out by all people especially obese and who want to prevent diabetic. When you make changes in your lifestyle and eating habits that will make you feel healthier and more energized. You need to pay strict attention to the food that you eat when you have diabetes and diet guidelines need to be followed. However, this does not mean that your days now need to be filled with boring tasteless food. Many people find that their new diabetes diet plan actually tastes better and is more satisfying that the food they were eating before.

Junk food refers to fast foods which are easy to make and easy to consume. They have only fats lying in it causing ill effects on the health of the consumer. The taste is the most attractive feature in junk foods. Nevertheless, junk foods are popular because of their simplicity to manufacture, consume and of course, their taste. People have their own notions about a certain food being listed as junk. However, huge Burgers, full pizzas, potato wafers ,Ghee roasted Masala Dosai, Idlies with Sambar vadai ,Mutton Biriyani , high calorie wedding food, chocolates and fries will surely find their way into everyone's list.

Junk food and fast food when taken in excess in daily basis make health hazardous too. And affects the cholesterol levels. Secondly, the sugar and sodium salts have their effects on health. High calorie content with sugar can lead to obesity. Cholesterol and salt are known to increase the blood pressure, stroke and heart diseases in a chain. Excessive salts can affect functioning of kidneys too. Consuming junk food has reduced level of essential nutrients thereby causing weakness in the body.

Diabetes:

Junk foods also cause damage to the pancreas resulting in diabetes mellitus. These foods they are filled with carbohydrates which will spike their blood sugar levels, sugar levels rise and fall drastically Fluctuation in the blood sugar not good Glycemic control.

Obesity:



Junk food enthusiasts are prone to put on weight, especially when they eat this kind of food very often. The fat and processed flour only make you fatter and fatter, as does the oil and grease that are used for fries and other deep-fried foods. Besides, when you eat junk food, you tend to gulp down sodas and colas which are laden with sugar and which increase your tendency to put on weight. Junk food makes you feel sleepy and less inclined to be active and alert. Your reflexes and senses become duller day by the day and you start to lead a more sedentary life

Heart Diseases:

Junk foods have been identified as a major cause of heart diseases including myocardial infraction, cardiac arrest and atherosclerosis. This is due to the fact that junk food contains excessive amount of low-density lipoproteins and cholesterol that get deposited on the inner linings of blood vessels. This result in formation of plaques and the heart is required to put an extra effort for pumping blood through the arteries. Presence of fat in the blood also causes reduced oxygen levels. Another harmful factor present in junk foods is excess concentration of sugars and salt. Excessive concentration of sodium ions causes an increased heart blood pressure.

Liver Failure:

Even liver gets damaged due to presence of fat, cholesterol and salt in the junk foods.

Poor Concentration:

When a person consumes junk food in excess, body finds difficult to digest and needs to spend high amount of blood and enzymes as a result, the person feels drowsy and suffers with reduced concentration.

Poor nutrition:

When you eat too much junk food, you neglect to eat the nutritious food like fruits and vegetables and other wholesome food. This means that your body does not get the necessary nutrition it needs and you end up with a weak immune system. So you’re often prone to illnesses like colds and fevers which although not serious, tend to have a nagging effect on your life. They prevent you from being as active and organized as you would like to be. Processed foods have no fiber content whatsoever and that is why you feel constipated when you go on a junk food binge.

These days’ teenagers and young children prefer to take fast and junk food in their regular diet parents also encourage them to take these foods which can affect their health in future. So all teenagers and IT people try to take healthy food like vegetables ,whole grains ,nuts, whole grams and fruits at least once or twice a day. Whenever you take pizza or burger or noodles or fried rice add more vegetables.

KEY NUTRTITIONAL CARE FOR WOMEN WITH GESTATIONAL DIABETES

Mrs.sheela Paul & Ms.Vimala

Pregnancy alone is a critical condition, how much more if the mother is going through another serious medical situation such as diabetes? Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs only during pregnancy. Like other forms of diabetes, gestational diabetes affects the way your body uses sugar (glucose) — your body's main source of fuel. Gestational diabetes can cause high blood sugar levels that are unlikely to cause problems for you, but can threaten the health of your unborn baby. Any pregnancy complication is concerning, but there's good news.

You can manage gestational diabetes by eating healthy foods, exercising
regularly and, if necessary, taking medication. Taking good care of yourself can help ensure a healthy pregnancy for you and a healthy start for your baby. Fortunately, gestational diabetes is usually short-lived. Blood sugar levels typically return to normal

soon after delivery.

Gestational diabetes will affect about 4 percent of all pregnant women, potentially causing major consequences for both the mother and her child


Healthy Eating:

• No single diet is right for every woman. Your meal plan should be based on your blood sugar levels, height, weight, exercise habits and food preferences

• Eating the right kind and amount of food is one of the best ways to control your blood sugar level.

• Making healthy food choices also helps prevent excessive weight gain during pregnancy, which can put you at higher risk of complications

• A healthy diet often means including more fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

• Take a well balanced and nutritious food, calories in required amount, low in fat and complex carbohydrates.

• Choosing high fiber foods will help to control your blood sugar and have regular bowel movements. Include fiber foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, green leafy vegetables, whole grain cereals, legumes, dhal, and nuts.

• No harm taking Non-Veg in prescribed amount. Avoid deep fried preparations

• Use combination of oil (groundnut oil+gingelly oil +sunflower /saffola oil.

• Include 3% fat milk and milk products in your every meal to strengthen your bones and promote healthy development of your baby’s bones.

• Artificial sweetener are NOT safe during pregnancy.

• Some people with gestational diabetes can control their blood sugar with diet alone. They do this by eating 3 meals and 1 to 3 snacks each day.

• You will need a snack at bedtime to prevent low blood sugar levels during overnight..

• Eat at the same times each day, whenever possible, and never skip meals or snacks. Spread your food out evenly over the day so that you eat about every 2 to 3 hours.

• Avoid foods and beverages with added sugar, sugar syrup, honey, or jams and jellies.

• Read the labels of packaged foods to find the nutritive value.
There are no guarantees when it comes to preventing gestational diabetes — but the more healthy habits you can adopt before pregnancy, the better. An expectant mother who is going through gestational diabetes must be closely monitored by a pediatrician to ensure her safety and of the child as well.

Get out of Diabetes burn out

Dr. Sripriya Shaji

Burnout arises when we're overworked, overtaxed emotionally, physically exhausted or unwell, and often unable to cope with everyday situations. Trying to achieve that perfect balance between family and work life is hard enough; throw in the demands of living with and managing a chronic medical condition,
And it’s not surprising that you get burnout, when your doctor points the numbers in the investigation profile and says you need work on diet and exercise.

When we become truly burned out, it's time to take stock and make changes.

Let’s take inventory of the situation.

Accept the fact that burnout is a time of self-evaluation and change. Just as you would treat a physical illness with rest and restriction of activities, cut back as much as you can on commitments and responsibilities for a time and allow yourself to "treat" this emotional and mental exhaustion. AADE recommends these 7 strategies as Self-care behaviors

* Healthy eating
* Being active
* Monitoring
* Taking medicines
* Problem solving
* Reducing risk and
* Healthy coping

Diabetes Diet – No doubt it is frustrating to count on every rice you eat. But why to count?
Diabetes diet just demands you to spare proper time and making nutritious choice. Plan your meal. Make yourself determined that you eat healthy food on time, without excuses.

Exercise – ADA recommends 150 minutes of walking / week. Just think can’t we spare 30 minutes a day? Can’t we keep our self active?
Monitoring – Right from the school days, we are worried about the term examination. Fails to understand, they improvise us for facing the final exams. same way the regular SMBG check up helps us to keep our blood sugar in control, which leads to better HbA1c control and over all glycaemic control.

Medications – Regular medication is as important as diet and exercise.

Problem solving, Reducing risk and Healthy coping - Try to identify those things most responsible for your present state, and ask yourself which areas are most in need of drastic change. Don't forget to take inventory of your strengths, skills, and resources, both internal and external, as well. Do you have good friends willing to lend a listening ear, family members who'll babysit, or anyone who can help you through this time? Think, too, about the inner strengths you have to fall back upon. What have you done in the past to solve similar, or other, problems?

If you need to make critical decisions concerning job or personal life, you'll be much better prepared to make healthy, sound choices when you're rested and not deep in the throes of burnout.

Alternatively, if you find that an overcrowded schedule is one of the main factors causing your burnout, you may need to pass along or delegate some of your regular commitments on a permanent basis. Accept offers of help from friends and family, and don't forget to show your gratitude. If your financial situation allows, hire someone to do household tasks or errands - or equip yourself to better self care management - or whatever seems unbearable at the moment - to give you more time for yourself.

Be good to yourself. You need plenty of rest, good nutrition, exercise, and the support of friends and/or family. Do something for yourself that gives you joy or pleasure. Read a good book or take in a film you've wanted to see. Allow your loved ones to help too, although you may have to explicitly communicate to them exactly what kind of help you need. Give yourself permission to spend the necessary time and energy to take care of yourself.

Reactive Hypoglyceamia

Mrs.sheela Paul
Chief Dietitian

Reactive hypoglycemia is a medical condition occurring from low sugar in the blood. It is mainly associated with people who suffer from diabetes, but has been also know to occur in non-diabetics. Though there are some people who experience this state even if they are not fasting, and the blood sugar drops irrespective of there food intake--this condition is referred to as reactive hypoglycemia.

So how does the sugar in the blood drop?
The most common cause of this is when a person goes hungry for a long period of time or is in a state of fasting. Basically the body needs food to keep all its functions going correctly, so if a person is fasting the body does not have the necessary fuel and so the sugar levels drop.

There has been quite a bit of research done on this subject and many researchers and experts have come to believe that this condition is mainly caused by the lack of a hormone called Glucagon. This hormone is the one that is mainly responsible for keeping the balance levels of sugar in the blood.

The main symptoms of this condition can be confused with other diseases as they are quite similar.

Listed here are of the symptoms of hypoglycemia:
-Dizziness, sweating, hunger
-Inability to sleep
-Excessive sweating
-Trembling and being nervous all the time
-Fatigue and tiredness.

A simple healthy diet will greatly help in improving your condition, like eating more often, up to 6 times a day. You don’t need to eat a lot every time, just small meals every three hours. Skipping meals will cause your blood sugar to fall down, as well as not eating for longer periods of time can have the same effect.


Nutrition tips to manage hypoglycemia
• Eat a small meal or snack about every 2-3 hours. Skipping meals can make symptoms worse.
• Choose high fiber foods at each meal and snack.
Fiber helps stabilize blood sugar. Increase fluid intake when you increase fiber intake.
• Eat a source of protein and or a source of fat with carbohydrate at each meal or snack.
Protein and fat eaten with carbohydrates will help slow glucose release and absorption.
• Limit simple sugars. (candy, soda, fruit juice, sweets)
Simple sugar intake can make hypoglycemia symptoms worse. Moderate your intake.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine (coffee, tea, soda, chocolate).
• Eat a meal or snack 1-3 hours before exercise.
Extra carbohydrates may be needed before exercise to compensate for energy used.

Physical Activity: Although excessive physical activity can bring your blood sugar level low, a simple exercise is still beneficial. All you need to do is to time your activity after a meal to make sure that your insulin hormone will have the needed sugar to break down in your system. Make sure not to overdo your physical activities as this can lead to sudden drop in your blood sugar level. Don’t forget to consult your physician before engaging in extra physical activities, they can best advice on how much exercise you can handle.

Controlling this condition can be done through right diet, which is the only treatment available for now. Following a healthy eating lifestyle can help blood sugar levels steady, as well as provide you with the necessary nutrients you need for good health. If you believe you are suffering from Reactive Hypoglycemia, it is best to consult a physician and a dietician to help plan your treatment.

What is Insulin Pump Therapy?

All people, with or without diabetes, need insulin for two reasons:

a background amount of insulin for normal functions of the body without food and a burst of insulin "on demand" when food is eaten. People without diabetes can trust that their pancreas will produce this insulin for them. People with diabetes need to take insulin as similar as possible to the way their pancreas would produce it if it could.

With multiple daily injection therapy, it is not always clear how much insulin is being used for background and how much is being used for food. In insulin pump therapy, the two are clearly separate. Insulin pump therapy allows you to set a basal rate, or background insulin, to be delivered continuously throughout the day and night for the normal body functions. When you eat you can then give a bolus, or delivery of insulin, "on demand".

When you exercise, you can reduce the basal rate so that your blood glucose does not drop too low. Or when you are sick or have an infection, you can increase the basal rate so that your blood glucose does not go up too high. You can also increase or decrease your meal bolus based on the foods you choose to eat.

Additionally, the pump uses only fast-acting insulin. You will not need to follow as rigid a schedule as you did before, because there is no long-acting insulin telling you when you should eat or when you will need more insulin.

Sound exciting? It is exciting... not only can your blood glucose be easier to manage, but your lifestyle can be easier too.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes affects two to four per cent of all pregnancies and involves an increased risk of developing diabetes for both mother and child.

Gestational diabetes means diabetes mellitus (high blood sugar) first found during pregnancy. In most cases, gestational diabetes is managed by diet and exercise and goes away after the baby is born.

Gestational diabetes is also called glucose intolerance of pregnancy.

Risk for Developing Gestational Diabetes

Some of the most common risks for developing gestational diabetes are:

* A family history of diabetes in parents or brothers and sisters.
*Gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy.
*The presence of a birth defect in a previous pregnancy.
*Obesity in the woman, BMI greater than 29.
*Older maternal age (over the age of 30).
*Previous stillbirth or spontaneous miscarriage.
*A previous delivery of a large baby (greater than 9 pounds).
*A history of pregnancy induced high blood pressure, urinary tract infections, hydramnios (extra amniotic fluid), etc.
*Women of Hispanic, First Nations, or of African-American decent.


Risk for babies born to mothers with Gestational Diabetes

*Macrosomia (large, fat baby)
*Shoulder dystocia (birth trauma)
*Neonatal hypoglycemia (low blood sugar in the newborn)
*Prolonged newborn jaundice
*Low blood calcium
*Respiratory distress syndrome
*Develop jaundice
*Stillbirth
*Die in infancy


How Is Gestational Diabetes Diagnosed?

Gestational diabetes is usually diagnosed between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy when insulin resistance usually begins. If you have had gestational diabetes before, or if your doctor is concerned about your risk of developing gestational diabetes, the test may be performed before the 13th week of pregnancy.

Cure for Gestational Diabetes

A cure for Diabetes has not been found yet.However, it can be controlled. Ways to control diabetes are: maintaining blood glucose levels, blood fat levels and weight.Controlling diabetes is very important and should be supervised by a medical doctor.When diabetes is controlled, it will help prevent serious complications such as: infections, kidney damage, eye damage, nerve damage to feet and heart disease.

Can Gestational Diabetes be Treated?

Gestational diabetes can be treated. Treatment involves taking steps to keep your blood glucose levels in a target range. Your blood glucose levels can be controlled by:

* Changing your meal plan
*Physical activity
*insulin (if needed)

Diabetes and Erectile Dysfunction

One of the most common problems related to diabetes is erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is a consistent inability to have an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.

Men who have diabetes are three times more likely to have erectile dysfunction as men who do not have diabetes. Studies show that 35% to 75% of men with diabetes will develop some degree of erectile dysfunction.

High blood sugar, which must be managed carefully if you have diabetes, causes blood vessel and nerve damage that affects sexual responses. Damage to the blood vessels blocks the release of nitric oxide. A lack of nitric oxide causes erective dysfunction because it results in constricted blood vessels and reduces blood flow to the penis.

Having high blood pressure also increases your risk of erective dysfunction. The combination of high blood pressure and diabetes also increases the risk for blood vessel damage, further reducing blood flow.

High cholesterol is also common in people with diabetes. LDL cholesterol, can interfere with the ability of blood vessels to dilate. High cholesterol levels result in fatty deposits in artery walls. This buildup of fatty deposit can reduce blood flow to the penis.

Combat erectile dysfunction

By living a healthy lifestyle and working with your doctor, you can get your diabetes under control and treat erectile dysfunction if it becomes a problem for you. Some of the most common treatments for erectile dysfunction are: psychotherapy, drug therapy, vacuum devices, and surgery to repair damaged nerves.

TOP TEN FACTS ABOUT DIABETES

1. Diabetes is a silent epidemic and according to WHO there are 246 million people in the world living with diabetes. This is almost 6% of the world's adult population.

2. Diabetes in Asians is five times the rate of the white population

3. India is the diabetes capital of the world. It is estimated that currently there are 40 million people with diabetes in India and by 2025 this number will swell to 70 million. This would mean every fifth diabetic in the world would be an Indian.

4. Central obesity or apple shape of the body and insulin resistance is the main reason for diabetes increase in Indians

5. Diabetes causes 6 deaths every minute and one in 20 deaths in the world. Every year it is estimated that 3.2 million people in the world die due to the diabetes or its related causes.

6. Diabetes is an important 'silent killer disease' as there is usually no early symptom of the disease. The commonest early symptom is feeling thirsty

7. Almost 90 to 95% of diabetes is of type 2 or maturity onset type; that affects people in their middle age. Type 1 or juvenile diabetes affects 70,000 children under the age of 15 years every year.

8. The major cause of increase in the incidence of diabetes is a sedentary lifestyle. Exercise and diet can either reduce or delay the incidence of diabetes by over 50%.

9. Diabetes is the number one cause of kidney failure in the world. Besides this every year it is responsible for 5% or 5 million blindness in adults and one million limb amputations. Diabetes is also an important cause of heart disease, stroke and cataract.

10. The current cost of treating diabetes and its complications in the world is estimated as US $ 215-375 billion. The disease is growing fastest in developing countries where there are more people in the lower and middle-income group.

Diabetes & Oral Health: How to Protect Your Teeth

Diabetes and your teeth may not seem to be linked, but they are.

Having uncontrolled diabetes can boost your risk for oral health problems such as gum disease.

But the link goes the other way, too, most experts believe. If you have gum disease, it may make it harder to keep blood sugar under control. So the diabetes and oral health link is a two-way street.

The good news: taking care of your oral health will help not only your teeth and gums, but perhaps help your diabetes control.

Other oral health problems, although not as common, are also associated with having diabetes.

Among them:

* Slower healing time after dental surgery
* Fungal infections
* Dry mouth
* Cavities

Even so, you can take steps to protect your teeth and oral health. Here's how to minimize the risks.


Diabetes & Oral Health Risks Explained
Having diabetes can make you less able to fight off infection, including gum infections that can lead to serious gum disease.

In early stages, gum disease is known as gingivitis. The gums are swollen, soft, and may bleed, particularly during brushing or flossing.

If gum disease progresses, however, the gums may begin to separate from the teeth, forming pockets that can trap bacteria and boost the risk of infections. Untreated, the infections can destroy the underlying bones that holds the teeth in place.

Surgery may be needed. In one technique, called pocket depth reduction, the periodontist folds back the gum tissue, removes the bacteria, and secures the tissue into place so that it fits more tightly around the teeth.

With diabetes, you may heal more slowly after oral surgery. Your health care provider may prescribe antibiotics to keep post-operative infection at bay. Pay close attention to your blood sugar levels and control before and after oral surgery.

If you have diabetes, you are also at risk for fungal infections in the mouth, called oral candidiasis or thrush. This is true even if you wear dentures.

Dry mouth, called xerostomia, is another common problem among people with diabetes. Saliva is important to oral health -- it helps wash away food particles and keep the mouth moist. When you don't have enough saliva, bacteria thrive, tissues can get irritated and inflamed, and your teeth can be more prone to decay.

Diabetes & Your Teeth: How to Minimize Risk

Taking care of your oral hygiene at home every day is crucial. Make sure you brush twice a day and floss once a day. Using an antibacterial mouthwash or toothpaste can help reduce bacteria in the mouth that can cause gingivitis.

Examine your mouth for an inflammation or signs of bleeding gums. If you notice either, let your dentist know as soon as possible.

Experts recommend having your teeth professionally cleaned every six months, or even every three or four months. Step up the professional cleaning schedule if you know you tend to be lax about home care.

Be sure to tell your dentist that you have been diagnosed with diabetes. It will also help your dentist to know the names of all prescription and over-the-counter drugs you take.

You may want to see a periodontist -- a dentist who specializes in gum disease -- if your gum problems persist or seem to get worse.